MANILA -- In just one snap, Stallion Laguna is back to zero.
The Liga Futbol Inc. (LFI) decided to deduct three points from Laguna as a sanction for opening the Binan Football Stadium to fans during its season opener against Marikina.
The governing body of the PFL ordered Laguna to have its match against Marikina on March 11 inside closed doors as the club has yet to submit the remaining prerequisites for the clearance to open the venue to fans.
However, the club still decided to open the grandstand to fans, resulting in about 200 people watching the match in flesh, which, as per a statement made by the PFL on Wednesday, is considered a "failure to respect a decision within a stipulated period"
The decision was based on Article 64 of the PFF Disciplinary Code.
The three points stripped off from Laguna came from its lone win so far in the season, a 2-1 victory against Cebu last week also held at Laguna's "stable" but was credited as Cebu's home game due to the unavailability of the Cebu City Sports Center.
During that time, however, the LFI softened its stand on the venue and eventually gave Laguna the green light to accommodate fans at the venue, although they are only allowed to seat at the red bleachers, the furthermost part of the grandstand.
The development was not considered as a forfeiture, and Cebu's record remains at zero point on two losses in the same number of PFL matches.
Laguna will cap a virtual four-game home stand, including the "road" game versus Cebu, on Saturday as the club hosts Iloilo in one of two matches scheduled for the night. (PNA)
